Try this trick most people overlook.

Dictionaries are helpful, until they aren’t.

Sometimes the word you need just isn’t there. Or the translation feels too stiff. Too vague. Too… wrong.

Here’s a trick I often share with my clients:
👉 Use bilingual websites.

For example, the company Neuland has a full website in both German and English.

So if you want to translate words like:

• Bewertungspunkte
• Lochverstärker
• Pastellkreiden

You’ll find:

• Marking dots
• Reinforcement stickers
• Chalk pastels

Real words. Used in context. No guesswork.

This works especially well for tools, products and industry-specific terms.

So before you reinvent the wheel…
Check if someone else has already translated it for you. 😉

👉 Have you ever found the perfect translation on a bilingual site?

If your mother tongue is German, English pronunciation can be tricky.

Not because you’re “bad at languages,” but because some sounds simply don’t exist in German.

A few examples:

• “th” in “this” or “think”
• w vs v confusion
• Extra endings like “ed” in “worked”

These tiny details can make a big difference — especially in meetings, interviews or presentations.

💬 The good news?
You don’t need a perfect British or American accent.
But you do need clarity.

This guide from Pronunciation Studio lists 10 common English pronunciation errors German speakers often make:
👉 [Link to article]

I’ve seen every one of these show up in my coaching sessions. And I’ve seen clients grow more confident once they hear the difference and practise gently, step by step.

If you speak German and want to sound clearer in English, this is a great place to start.

💡 Which of these do you find tricky?

A few years ago, I shared how my grandson said his first two-word phrase to me on the phone:

“Hallo Oma.”

It was simple.
It was sweet.
And my heart just melted.

Three languages were swirling around him — German, English, Turkish.
No wonder those first clear words felt like magic.

Now he’s older.
Now we talk. (And sometimes negotiate. Me in English. He in German!)
But I still remember that moment.

A quiet reminder that language isn’t just about rules and vocabulary.
It’s about connection.
It’s about the joy of being seen and heard — by someone who matters.

Anne Frank once wrote:

“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.”

I think of that often.

💬 Whether you’re just starting to learn a language or feeling stuck somewhere in the middle, don’t forget the little moments.

That’s where the real beauty lives.

👉 What small moment made you smile this week?

It’s true.

Brits say “sorry” more than anyone else. About eight times a day, on average.

If you’re someone who says “sorry” all the time (even when it’s not your fault), you’re not alone.

Apologising can be kind.
It shows empathy and responsibility.

But over-apologising?
That’s a different story.

• It can make you seem unsure of yourself.
• It can make others think you did something wrong — even when you didn’t.
• And over time, it chips away at your confidence.

So here’s one small shift I often share with clients (and that I need to remember!):

Swap “sorry” for thanks when possible.

Instead of: Sorry I’m late”
Try: “Thank you for waiting.”

Instead of: “Sorry for talking so much”
Try: “Thank you for listening.”

Instead of: “I’m sorry I can’t come”
Try: “Thank you for thinking of me. Maybe next time.”

Apologies are powerful, when they’re needed.
But when they’re not, they can hold you back.

Want to sound more confident in English?
Start by noticing your “sorry” habits and try something new.

👉 When was the last time you said “sorry” when you didn’t need to?

I often hear:

• “No problem.”
• “Don’t mention it.”

If I were translating into German, that would be something like “Keine Ursache.”
And honestly?
I’ve never loved that phrase.

It sounds a bit cold. Dismissive, even.
As if the thanks didn’t matter.

Of course, we all have our preferences.
What feels too flat for me might sound totally fine to you.

But if you want to sound warmer in English,
here are a few more positive, human responses you can try:

• You’re (very) welcome.
• My pleasure.
• Any time.
• I’m pleased you like it.
• (Always) happy to help.
• Thank you!
• Just returning the favour.
• I’m sure you’d do the same for me.

💬 How do you usually respond when someone thanks you in English?
Got a favourite phrase?